Bombers Acquire Swedish Defenseman Kubanek

by Bombers Staff

Share

The Long Beach Bombers are proud to announce the addition of Swedish defenseman, Kevin Kubanek. The 6’3, 178lb left shot was acquired in a trade with the Bellingham Blazers. The August 16, 1998-born WSHL veteran is from Mölndal, Sweden, where the Bombers have hosted three Scandinavian Prospect Camps, and where he played alongside Filip Nordin.

Kubanek has played 59 WSHL games, all for Bellingham, over the past two seasons. He has recorded a stat line of 6G-31A-37Pts-80PIMs. At the WSHL Las Vegas Showcase, Kubanek got a taste of what may be to come, in Long Beach, as he played some of the league’s top teams: Utah Outliers, Oklahoma City Blazers, and El Paso Rhinos. He will make his debut against two division opponents, this weekend (Valencia Flyers & San Diego Sabers), prior to a three-game series against the Ogden Mustangs, owners of the league’s top record, thus far.

The Bombers have sent forward, Krystof Knapek, to the Bellingham Blazers (1st Place - Northwest Division). The 1999-born left shot from Zlín, Czech Republic’s departure will open up the final import roster spot, to be filled by Kubanek. In 35 Games with Long Beach, Knapek recorded a stat line of 3G-7A-10Pts. Knapek will have the opportunity to earn a top-6 forward spot, in Bellingham, as opposed to the depth role he maintained with the Bombers. Bellingham is currently in first place in the Northwest Division, and will host Long Beach for a three-game series, in March. Thus, the Bombers could likely face Knapek and the Blazers in a few weeks, and again at the Thorne Cup Finals, in Ogden.

Long Beach Bombers Head Coach & General Manager, Chris White, commented, “We are very excited to have the opportunity to add such a quality defenseman, at this point in the season. Kevin is a veteran, and a big body. I like the way he played against some of the top teams, in Las Vegas, and we will expect more of the same, from him. His knowledge of the league, combined with our roster featuring several of his fellow countrymen, should allow for a seamless transition. This move addressed what we felt was our biggest concern, heading into the Thorne Cup Playoffs - defensive depth. We are simply looking for Kevin to come in and play a steady, hard-working game, which should give us what we feel can be the best defensive group in the league.”